Systems and methods for washing and drying using an altered pressure environment

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for treating clothing with a clothing treatment device under a pressure environment altered from an ambient pressure. In one example, the clothing treatment device may comprise a chamber which may be evacuated to a low internal air pressure by a vacuum pump and/or a cold plate, wherein fabric articles placed inside the chamber may be washed and dried, and wherein the drying occurs under low pressure conditions within the chamber via one or more heat sources. In at least one example, the fabric articles may be hanging within the chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/372,265 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR WASHING AND DRYING USING AN ALTERED PRESSURE ENVIRONMENT”, filed Aug. 8, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for washing and drying fabric articles, and more specifically, mechanical washers and dryers.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Mechanical clothes dryers may dry fabric articles by the application and circulation of hot air, which evaporates moisture from the articles inside a drying chamber. Articles may be tumbled in a rotating drum during a drying cycle in order to improve hot air application and distribution through the articles and to help with the release of wrinkles after a washing process. Evaporated moisture is continuously vented from the drying vessel during a drying cycle.

Limitations of mechanical clothes dryers include high power usage, due to the large volume of air that needs to be continuously heated and delivered to the drying chamber in order to dry the articles within a reasonable period of time. This drying cycle time represents another limitation, as cycle times often exceed an hour or more, due to limitations in the speed at which a load of wet articles may be dried by hot-air circulation. A third limitation is excessive wear on fabric articles due to exposure to high heat and/or mechanical impact during the tumbling process. The temperature of the hot air used in a drying cycle is typically limited, in part, by a heat tolerance of the material of the fabric article being dried. Air temperature may be selected to be higher in order to reduce drying time, but not so high as to scorch or damage the fabric articles. A user may elect to dry at a lower temperature for a longer time in order to reduce wear on fabric articles, but often the use of mechanical clothes dryers for drying fabric articles involves an undesirable compromise between drying time and an acceptable rate of wear, and some reduction in wear from lowering temperature may be offset by the increased wear from extended tumbling. There is a need to improve energy efficiency and cycle time of mechanical clothes dryers while also reducing the rate of wear on fabric articles.

The inventor herein has recognized the above limitations of mechanical clothes dryers. The present disclosure shows a system and method for treating fabric articles, for example clothing, under a pressure condition that may be raised and/or lowered relative to an ambient pressure. In some examples, treating the clothing may include drying and/or washing the clothing, and altering the pressure conditions may improve energy efficiency of a washing and/or drying cycle over a conventional clothes washer or dryer, while also shortening cycle time and reducing the rate of wear on fabric articles by reducing heat exposure, and in some embodiments reducing or eliminating mechanical impact from tumbling.

A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a clothing treatment device, which may comprise one or more of: a chamber, a vacuum seal for the chamber holding an air pressure of the chamber reduced from an ambient pressure outside the chamber, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the chamber, one or more heat sources heating the chamber, and a controller to operate the vacuum pump to reduce the air pressure of the chamber during operation.

In one or more embodiments, the chamber may be one or more of a washing chamber and a drying chamber.

In one or more embodiments, one or more of the heat sources may be an air heater. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the heat sources may be an emitter of electromagnetic radiation, such as an infrared radiator or lamp.

In one or more embodiments, the chamber may comprise one or more infrared reflectors.

In one or more embodiments, the chamber may comprise a rotating drum.

In one or more embodiments, the chamber may comprise one or more valves, where the controller may regulate the ingress and egress of gases through the one or more valves.

In one or more embodiments, one or more valves may regulate a flow of one or more of water, steam, and one or more cleaning agents.

In one or more embodiments, the chamber may comprise article hangers inside the chamber. The article hangers may be removable from the chamber.

In one or more embodiments, a height of the chamber may accommodate one or more hanging fabric articles.

In one or more embodiments, the dryer may comprise a cold plate inside the chamber, and may further comprise a cooling system coupled to the cold plate. The cooling system may be operated by the controller. In one or more embodiments, the cold plate may further comprise fins and/or a water collector for the collection of condensation.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating fabric articles, comprising one or more of: sealing one or more fabric articles in a chamber, altering an internal gas pressure of the chamber to create an altered-pressure condition in the chamber, and applying heat to the chamber to dry the one or more fabric articles.

In one or more embodiments, the altered pressure may be a raised pressure. In one or more embodiments, the altered pressure may be a lowered pressure. In one or more embodiments, the pressure may be raised and/or lowered relative to an ambient pressure.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise condensing gaseous moisture inside the chamber on a cold plate during a drying cycle.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise extracting gases from the chamber during the drying cycle, thereby maintaining a low pressure condition.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise repressurizing the chamber to an ambient pressure upon completion of the drying cycle.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise reducing the internal gas pressure to a pre-determined low-pressure drying cycle selection.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise determining one or more of a first moisture level and a first pressure level inside the chamber.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise determining a second moisture level inside the chamber below a threshold moisture level and terminating the drying cycle.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise maintaining a second pressure level inside the chamber for a select period.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise collecting liquid condensed on the cold plate in a water collector.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise tumbling the fabric articles in a rotating drum.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for treating articles, such as drying articles, which may comprise one or more of a sealable chamber in fluid communication with an air pressure system, and a controller to control the air pressure system and a pressure in the chamber during a selected cycle period.

In one or more embodiments, the system may further comprise one or more of an air pressure sensor and a moisture sensor inside the chamber to provide air pressure data and/or moisture data to the controller.

In one or more embodiments, the controller may control the pressure of the chamber based on the air pressure data or moisture data.

In one or more embodiments, the controller may conclude the drying cycle when the moisture data indicates a moisture level below a preset moisture threshold.

In one or more embodiments, the air pressure system may include a vacuum pump.

In one or more embodiments, the system may further comprise a heating system operatively connected to the chamber.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of treating fabric articles, comprising one or more of: sealing a chamber, determining a moisture level within the chamber, determining a pressure level within the chamber, and reducing the pressure level to a preselected level.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise sealing one or more fabric articles in the chamber.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise heating the chamber.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise maintaining a preselected pressure level based on the moisture level being above a threshold.

In one or more embodiments, the method may further comprise reducing the moisture level based on the moisture level being above a threshold.

Further aspects of the present disclosure may optionally include embodiments where the clothing treatment device includes a combination of a washer and a dryer to treat fabric articles. In one example, the clothing treatment device may wash and/or dry fabric articles under a pressure altered from ambient pressure, wherein an internal pressure is raised and/or lowered from ambient pressure. In another embodiment, a standalone washer may comprise one or more features of the combination washer and dryer.

In the presently disclosed systems and methods, a clothing treatment device of fabric articles or method of treating fabric articles may be provided such that a reduced energy usage, increased energy efficiency, reduced drying time, and reduction of mechanical wear of fabric articles may be achieved. Providing a low-pressure condition inside a drying chamber sealable from outside air may cause moist fabric articles to be dried faster and/or at a lower temperature, thus reducing a drying time and improving an energy usage profile of a dryer employing the method. Low-pressure drying also may reduce the mechanical wear on fabric articles from extended tumbling and/or extended exposure to high temperatures characteristic in known dryers, which may prematurely cause wear on the articles.

Further systems and methods for treating articles are disclosed herein, which may provide an improved washing and drying efficiency and/or performance, for example. Embodiments wherein items may be washed, dried, or both washed and dried under an altered pressure environment are shown. The altered pressure may be a second pressure raised or lowered from a first pressure, where the first pressure may be an ambient pressure. Washing and/or drying cycles may be performed in one or more raised and/or lowered pressure environments using the presently-disclosed systems and methods, where the altered pressure environment or environments may provide a mechanism of washing and/or drying that may increase a washing or drying speed, effectiveness, depth of penetration, efficient energy usage, or longevity of articles being washed or dried.

The disclosure herein presents systems and methods which may reduce an energy consumption of a dryer by conducting a drying cycle under low pressure. Lowering a gas pressure inside a drying chamber reduces the temperature at which water will evaporate from wet fabric articles, which may reduce energy consumption for a drying cycle or for a given rate of drying. The disclosed systems and methods may also reduce a drying time for one or more fabric articles compared to a dryer which does not feature drying under a low pressure condition.

It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation of a dryer in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a dryer in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a device, which may be a combination washer and dryer device or a standalone washer, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of a method for drying fabric articles in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show a flow chart of a method for operating a dryer in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method for drying fabric articles.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of a method for washing and/or drying.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description relates to systems and methods treating fabric articles, such as clothing, via a clothing treatment device. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a drying cycle, or period of drying, may be performed with the fabric articles under an air pressure that is altered compared to an ambient air pressure outside a chamber of the clothing treatment device, which may be atmospheric pressure. In the following examples, embodiments of a clothing treatment device, such as a dryer, having the capability of lowering an air pressure inside a chamber with a vacuum pump and applying heat to one or more fabric articles inside the chamber are shown. Embodiments are further shown having a cold plate, which may condense moisture from interior air of the chamber. In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method is described for treating the fabric articles under low pressure, comprising the use of one or more of a chamber, a source of hot air, a radiant heat source, a vacuum pump, a cold plate, and a cooling system. In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided in which an electronic controller actuates the components of the clothing treatment device during a low-pressure drying cycle. In some embodiments, control parameters of a drying cycle may be at least in part based on inputs to the controller from one or more sensors, which may include at least one air pressure sensor and at least one moisture sensor arranged inside the chamber. In one or more optional embodiments, the clothing treatment device may be a dryer. However, in other embodiments, the clothing treatment device may be a combination washer and dryer or a standalone washer, wherein fabric articles may be washed and/or dried in an altered pressure environment.

Turning to FIG. 1A, it shows a schematic representation of a clothing treatment device 100. In at least one example the clothing treatment device may be a dryer, for drying fabric articles. As such, the clothing treatment device 100 may also referred to as dryer 100 herein. In at least one embodiment, the clothing treatment device 100 may be a part of a larger clothing treatment device. For example, the clothing treatment device 100 may be a part of a clothing treatment system such as clothing treatment system 700. However, in other examples, the clothing treatment device 100 may not be a part of a larger clothing treatment system, and instead the clothing treatment device 100 may be a separate, stand-alone clothing treatment device. Axes 101 show a possible orientation of clothing treatment device 100, wherein the y-direction may be aligned with a height of the dryer, the x-direction will be aligned with a width of the dryer, and the z-direction may be aligned with a depth of the dryer. In one embodiment, the system may comprise a housing 102, which may enclose the components of the system. The housing may be made of a metal, polymer, composite, or other suitable appliance-housing material. The system may further comprise a chamber 104, which in one embodiment may be situated inside housing 102. In one embodiment, chamber 104 may be a drying chamber. Chamber 104 may have a sufficient interior space for holding fabric articles to be dried by the system, including a height, width, and depth such that one or more fabric articles 110 may be placed in the chamber simultaneously, with sufficient space left in the chamber for the proper working of any mechanical components, vacuum pumps, heating sources, etc. In certain configurations, fabric articles may be inserted into the chamber separated from one another, with space between each article. In other configurations, fabric articles may be inserted in a bundle or may loosely touch one another. In some configurations, excessive packing of fabric articles inside chamber 104 may be detrimental to the drying of said fabric articles. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior space of chamber 104 has a sufficient height such that fabric articles 110 may be hung on article hangers 112. The height of chamber 104 may be selected according to article load size or article dimensions. In one embodiment, chamber 104 may have a height sufficient to accommodate a hanging shirt (e.g., a height greater than a sum of a height of an article hanger and an average or maximum height of a shirt). In a further embodiment, chamber 104 may have a sufficient height to accommodate a hanging bedsheet (e.g., a height greater than a sum of a height of an article hanger and an average or maximum height of a bedsheet). A width of chamber 104 may determine the number of fabric articles which may be hung side-by-side. In one embodiment, chamber 104 may comprise a compact width, permitting, for example, five to ten fabric articles of a given hanging width to be hung side-by-side. In another embodiment, the chamber may have a width sufficient to accommodate ten to twenty fabric articles having a given hanging width side-by-side. The dimensions of the chamber are not particularly limited by these examples, and other configurations of the positioning of articles inside the chamber are possible, such as multiple tiers or multiple rows of hanging articles, or articles lying horizontally on racks (not shown).

In one embodiment, article hangers 112 may be similar to a clothes hanger or a towel rack, wherein the hanger comprises a rod or hook for hanging a fabric article over. A rod or hook of hanger 112 may be suspended from a wall, side, or face of chamber 104. Further hardware for the support of hangers 112 may be present in chamber 104, such as one or more bars, rods, hooks, or sockets. In a further embodiment, the positions of hangers 112 may be movable or adjustable. In another embodiment, hangers 112 may be detachable, and in one example may be removable from the clothing treatment device 100 and may further be hangable on a standard rod in a clothes closet or wardrobe, such that dried articles may be transferred to a storage area on hangers 112. In some embodiments, hangers 112 may be made of a metal, plastic, resin, or composite material. In a further embodiment, standard clothing or linen hangers may be used. In one embodiment, fabric articles may be washed and/or dried, in one or more of the hanging configurations described herein, in a system which does not comprise an altered internal pressure.

Chamber 104 may be sealable and may have sufficient structural strength to withstand a pressure gradient due to a reduced or raised internal air pressure. In one embodiment, air may be pumped or extracted from chamber 104 such that an internal air pressure of chamber 104 is less than an ambient air pressure outside chamber 104. Chamber 104 may be sealed from air penetration such that it may hold an altered internal pressure for an extended period of time, e.g. during a low-pressure drying cycle. Sealing of chamber 104 may comprise the use of closeable valves and/or gaskets around openings in one or more walls of chamber 104. Gaskets may be present around one or more of inlet and outlet ports, doors, electrical passages, windows, etc. A construction of chamber 104 should allow for an internal air pressure to be altered to a threshold level relative to an ambient pressure without implosion or excessive mechanical strain on any walls or joints of the chamber's structure, leaking of air to or from the outside, or loss of pressure reduction or increase.

Clothing treatment device 100 may further comprise an opening 120, which may permit access for the loading and removal of articles 110 in and out of chamber 104. A door 122 may be coupled to opening 120 for the sealing of the chamber 104 during a drying cycle.

A vacuum seal 124, for example one or more rubber gaskets, may be arranged between the opening 120 and the door 122 for sufficient sealing of opening 120 by door 122 during altered-pressure operation. Seal 124 may be an airtight seal. The opening 120 may be of sufficient size to allow user access to the inside of chamber 104 and for the insertion, removal, and/or adjustment of racking hardware inside, such as hangers 112. In one embodiment, opening 120 may be of a rectangular or rounded rectangular shape for more convenient user access to the interior of chamber 104. In another embodiment, opening 120 may be circular for providing structural strength of the opening 120, door 122, and/or seal 124 under the force of an operative pressure gradient.

Clothing treatment device 100 may comprise a vacuum seal for the chamber 104, which may maintain an air pressure of the chamber 104 different from an ambient pressure outside the chamber. In one embodiment, the vacuum seal may comprise one or more of opening 120, door 122, and seal 124. In a further embodiment, the vacuum seal may comprise seals, gaskets, doors, valves, or partitions which may create an airtight vessel, wherein the airtight vessel may be chamber 104. Openings and/or passages may be blocked from the passage or leakage of air under a pressure gradient by the vacuum seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be opened or broken, such as during the opening of a valve or door, and the seal may be closed or resealed, such as when the door is closed. Breaking and resealing of the vacuum seal may be performed multiple times during the operation of a drying cycle in clothing treatment device 100.

Opening 120 may pass through a wall of housing 102 and a wall of chamber 104. Door 122 and seal 124 may be arranged such that closing door 122 simultaneously seals housing 102 from user access, and seals chamber 104 such that chamber 104 is airtight. Door 122 may be of sufficient thickness, and may comprise a positioning of seal 124, e.g. one or more gaskets, such that chamber 104 may be sufficiently sealed from outside air as well as from air occupying non-pressurized zone 126 of the interior of clothing treatment device 100, i.e., air that is within housing 102 but outside chamber 104.

Clothing treatment device 100 may further comprise a vacuum pump 130. Vacuum pump 130 may be in fluid communication with chamber 104. In one embodiment, vacuum pump 130 may comprise an inlet 132 in fluid communication with the interior airspace of chamber 104, such that gases may be extracted from the interior of chamber 104 by vacuum pump 130 through inlet 132. Inlet 132 may comprise a valve 134 for the regulation of gases passing through inlet 132. In one example, inlet 132 may be a throttle valve which may regulate an amount of gas flow through the valve. Additionally or alternatively, valve 134 may be a one-way valve, intended to allow gases to pass through inlet 132 to vacuum pump 130 during an evacuation stage, and to prevent gases from reentering chamber 104 through inlet 132 when chamber 104 is under low pressure. Vacuum pump may also comprise outlet 136, which may be an exhaust outlet. Vacuum pump 130 may vent gases extracted from chamber 104 to the atmosphere outside clothing treatment device 100.

Clothing treatment device 100, or dryer 100, may also comprise one or more heat sources for heating chamber 104, and/or for the applying of heat to articles 110. The one or more heat sources may include an air heater 140, which may heat air from an intake 142 and supply heated air to the chamber 104 through an outlet 144. Regulation of gas flow through outlet 144 may be performed by a valve 146. In one embodiment, valve 146 may open to allow air from air heater 140 to pass through outlet 144 to chamber 104 during a heating cycle, and may close to prevent air from being drawn through air heater 140 into chamber 104 when chamber 104 is in a low-pressure condition. Hot air supplied to chamber 104 may transfer heat to articles 110 for the evaporation of moisture from articles 110. Hot air may be directed from air heater 140 to chamber 104 through one or more passages, which may distribute hot air to chamber 104 or to specific areas of chamber 104. Hot air passages may comprise outlets, nozzles, jets, and/or diffusers for the distribution of hot air to areas in chamber 104 and/or to fabric articles 110. Hot air and/or evaporated moisture may be evacuated by vacuum pump 130 to maintain a low pressure within chamber 104 and/or to extract humidity from chamber 104. Air heater 140 may comprise one or more fans for the blowing or forcing of air through air heater 140, through intake 142, and/or out of outlet 144.

In one embodiment, air heater 140 may further comprise a second intake 184, which may be positioned in chamber 104 such that air heater may draw air from inside chamber 104. Intake 184 may further comprise a valve 186, which may be variably opened or closed to regulate a flow of gases through intake 184. In one embodiment, air heater 140 may draw air from the inside of chamber 104 through intake 184 for heating and recirculation into chamber 104 through outlet 144. Recirculating and reheating air drawn from chamber 104 may result in maintaining an application of hot air to the chamber during an altered-pressure cycle without introducing or releasing air, thus maintaining the altered-pressure condition without continuous compensation by the vacuum pump. In one embodiment, air heater 140 may draw air for heating or blowing only from inside chamber 104 and may draw no outside air (e.g., intake 142 may be omitted). In other embodiments, air heater 140 may draw a combination of outside air and air from inside the chamber. In some embodiments, one or more intakes, which may include intakes 142 and/or 184, may be in simultaneous or alternating operation.

In a further embodiment, air heater 140 may force air through one or more of intake 142, intake 184, and outlet 144 without heating of air passing through air heater 140. In one example, air heater 140 may have a fan or blower operating function, wherein air is blown into chamber 104 by air heater 140 without being heated. In some embodiments, at least a part of a drying cycle may comprise the blowing of air without added heat over fabric articles 110 to facilitate drying without the use of added heat. In one example, fabric articles may be dried by ambient heat in chamber 104, under a reduced internal gas pressure, without an application of added heat by a heat source such as air heater 140 or radiators 150. In one embodiment, air may be heated and blown into chamber 104 by air heater 140, and subsequently recirculated without further addition of heat by air heater 140. In other embodiments, air heater 140 may allow air to pass through passively, without blowing or forcing, such as during a repressurization of the chamber.

The one or more heat sources may further include one or more radiators 150, which may apply a radiant heat source, such as infrared radiation, to articles 110. Radiant energy may be directed at articles 110 by radiators 150, and may be absorbed and converted to heat by articles 110. Multiple radiators 150 may be positioned inside chamber 104 such that radiant energy may be maximally and/or evenly absorbed by articles 110. Reflectors (not shown), such as infrared reflectors, may also be positioned inside chamber 104 for the further redistribution of radiation emitted by radiators 150. Radiant energy may be absorbed by articles 110 and converted to heat such that moisture may evaporate from articles 110. Gaseous water may be evacuated from chamber 104 by vacuum pump 130 during the drying cycle.

Heat sources such as air heater 140 and/or radiators 150 may be used in combination to provide heat for the drying of articles 110. In other embodiments, one or more types of heat source may be used. For instance, in one embodiment, clothing treatment device 100 may comprise radiators 150 as a heat source, and may not comprise an air heater. In said embodiment, air may enter chamber 104 through outlet 144, regulated by valve 146, for the repressurization of chamber 104 to ambient pressure during a repressurization stage. Outlet 144 may not be coupled to an air heater in this case, and may serve as a source point of outside air to chamber 104 but not as a source point of heated air. In other embodiments, the use of an air heater may be desirable due to a better distribution of heat to articles 110 in certain cases. For instance, if many articles 110 are loaded in a close formation, radiant energy may be unable to penetrate several article layers evenly, but a flow of hot air may provide better penetration of heat to interior article layers.

In a further embodiment, one or more outlets 144 may be distributed throughout chamber 104, and may be positioned closely to articles 110, such that hot air may be delivered more directly to articles 110. In one embodiment, an outlet 144 may be a tube with holes which may extend inside an article, e.g. a hanging shirt, and hot air may be distributed directly to the shirt from the inside through the holes. Such an arrangement may provide better drying of an article 110 with minimal hot air flow. Outlets 144 may terminate in one or more of an air jet, nozzle, or diffuser for shaping or directing the distribution of air from the outlets 144 to the chamber 104 and/or articles 110. The plurality of air jets, nozzles, and/or diffusers may be selected, directed, and/or sequenced to more effectively distribute hot air in the drying process.

In a further embodiment, heat may be transferred to articles 110 by a heated plate (not shown) or a heated rack (not shown). For instance, one or more articles may hang or lay on one or more racks or plates made of a thermally conductive material. Racks or plates may be heated internally or externally and may impart heat to articles 110 by direct contact. In one embodiment, a flat, rectangular metal grille may be heated resistively by an electric current. An article 110 may lay on the grille positioned horizontally, or may hang over the grill oriented vertically, wherein a surface of the article touches the surfaces of the grille. The grille may thereby deliver heat to the article, and moisture may evaporate from the article 110. A heat source may take the form of heated arrangements of one or more of racks, fins, shelves, plates, surfaces, spokes, rods, and other structures which may be arranged to one or more of hold, hang, and directly contact and provide heat to articles 110.

In one embodiment, clothing treatment device 100 may comprise one or more valves, wherein gases may pass into or out of chamber 104 through the one or more valves. The valves may include, but are not limited to, valve 134 and valve 146. An open or closed position of the one or more valves may be variable and/or adjustable by a user or by a controller via an actuator such that an ingress or egress of gases through the valves may be regulated.

In one embodiment, clothing treatment device 100 may further comprise a cold plate 160. Gaseous moisture inside chamber 104 may be chilled by and/or condense on cold plate 160. Reduction of humidity and/or gas pressure through the removal of water molecules from the air by cold plate 160 may reduce a burden of vacuum pump 130 to reduce humidity by the extraction of evaporated moisture from chamber 104. Cold plate 160 may be positioned inside chamber 104, and may further be positioned such that it is downstream of articles 110 in a path of airflow through chamber 104, e.g. between articles 110 and inlet 132. Evaporated water particles striking cold plate 160 may condense on a surface of cold plate 160. In one embodiment, cold plate 160 may have fins 162 which increase the operable surface area of cold plate 160. Fins 162 may be planar. In one embodiment, planar fins 162 may be substantially aligned with a direction of airflow through chamber 104, such that air or gases may flow smoothly across surfaces of fins 162 and such that a maximal surface area of cold plate 160 and/or fins 162 is accessible by flowing gases. In alternative embodiments, cold plate 160 may be a structure of a thermally conductive material arranged such that a surface area of the structure is in contact with gaseous water particles inside chamber 104, e.g. a lattice, grid, plate, tube, coil, and/or further structures.

Cold plate 160 may further comprise a coolant line 164 which may be in thermal contact with cold plate 160 for the transfer of heat from cold plate 160 to a coolant medium within coolant line 164. Coolant line 164 may be coupled to a cooler 166. Cooler 166 may be a device for chilling of circulated coolant. In one embodiment, cooler 166 may be a heat exchanger. In a further embodiment, cooler 166 may comprise one or more components for the chilling or refrigeration of coolant, such as one or more of a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. In one embodiment, cold plate 160 may be an evaporator of cooler 166. Cooler 166 may further comprise one or more of a heat sink 168 and a fan 170 for the rejection of heat transferred from a coolant medium to outside air via the heat sink. In further and/or alternative embodiments, cooler 166 may comprise a system of components which transfers heat from a surface of cold plate 160. In one embodiment, cooler 166 may chill cold plate 160 to a temperature substantially below the temperature of the air inside chamber 104, such that evaporated moisture particles may condense to the liquid phase when contacting a surface of cold plate 160.

Water condensed on a surface of cold plate 160 may be channeled into a water collector 172. In one embodiment, water collector 172 may be a vessel or container comprising an opening such that liquid water may be directed or channeled through the opening and stored within water collector 172. In one embodiment, water collector 172 may be positioned below a bottom surface of cold plate 160, with an opening of water collector 172 facing cold plate 160, such that condensed water may flow by gravity into water collector 172. Cold plate 160 and/or water collector 172 may comprise structures for the directing and/or funneling of liquid into water collector 172. For instance, cold plate 160 may comprise grooves or channels which may direct condensation droplets to flow towards water collector 172. Water condensed from the gas phase in chamber 104 may be collected and stored in water collector 172, thus lowering the air pressure and/or humidity inside chamber 104. In doing so, a burden on a vacuum pump to maintain a low air pressure and/or to remove evaporated water inside chamber 104 is reduced. In one embodiment, water stored within water collector 172 may be sealed inside water collector 172 at a point during a drying cycle, e.g. when the collector becomes filled, to prevent the reevaporation of water inside water collector 172. In an alternative embodiment, water collector 172 may be chilled, e.g. by coupling of the water collector to a cooling system such as cooler 166, to prevent reevaporation of water inside. In yet another embodiment, water stored in water collector 172 may be evacuated or extracted periodically from chamber 104, e.g. by a pump or drainage valve (not shown).

Clothing treatment device 100 may further comprise a moisture sensor 510 and/or an air pressure sensor 512. Further description of sensors 510 and 512 is given in the description of FIG. 2.

Clothing treatment device 100 may comprise one or more ultrasonic generators 540. Ultrasonic generators 540 may be electroacoustic transducers which may produce acoustic energy inside chamber 104. In one embodiment, ultrasonic generators 540 may produce acoustic waves occupying at least a part of an ultrasonic range of acoustic frequencies. In some examples, ultrasonic generators 540 may produce acoustic waves in subsonic and/or audible frequency ranges. Acoustic waves produced by ultrasonic generators 540 may be transmitted to gases (e.g., air and/or water vapor) inside chamber 104 and may travel through the interior of chamber 104 via the internal gases of chamber 104. In some embodiments, acoustic waves may travel through low-pressure gases during a lowered-pressure condition inside chamber 104. In other embodiments, acoustic waves may travel through gases at ambient pressure or gases at a pressure raised from ambient pressure.

The one or more ultrasonic generators 540 may be directional, and may further feature a polar pattern such as hemispheric, cardioid, or omnidirectional, such that the intensity of acoustic energy may be directed to a specific region of chamber 104. For example, the acoustic energy produced by a directional ultrasonic generator 540 may be directed toward one or more articles 110. In other embodiments, the directional pattern of one or more ultrasonic generators 540 may have a negligible effect on the overall distribution of acoustic energy in chamber 104. Such ultrasonic generators 540 may be purposed to fill a general area, such as the general interior of chamber 104, with acoustic waves. Ultrasonic waves produced by the one or more ultrasonic generators 540 may impact or penetrate one or more articles 110. In one embodiment, gas molecules moved by ultrasonic waves may impact articles 110, which may assist in mechanically removing dirt, contaminants, detergent, or water from articles 110 during a washing and/or drying cycle. In other embodiments, ultrasonic generators 540 may transmit ultrasonic waves to a liquid (e.g., water) within the chamber. In one example, chamber 104 may be filled with water during a washing cycle. One or more ultrasonic generators 540 may be in contact with the water, which may also be in contact with one or more articles 110. Ultrasonic waves may compel water particles to impact articles 110, which may assist in mechanically removing dirt, contaminants, or detergent from the articles 110.

It should be appreciated that although articles 110 may be washed and/or dried in a hanging configuration within a chamber 104 that has an altered pressure environment, in at least one example, the chamber 104 may have an unaltered internal pressure for a washing cycle of the clothing treatment device 100 where one or more articles 110 are in a hanging configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the chamber 104 may have an unaltered internal pressure for a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device 100 where the articles 110 are in a hanging configuration. Examples where the clothing treatment device 100 carries out washing and/or drying cycles with articles 110 in a hanging configuration within the chamber 104 without altering the pressure environment within the chamber 104 may include any one or combination of the above discussed steps, with the exception of steps for altering the pressure within the chamber 104.

For example, washing and/or drying cycle without altering a pressure within the chamber 104 and with the articles 110 in a hanging configuration may include hanging articles 110 on hangers 112. The hangers 112 may be removable hangers that may be suspended within the chamber 104 in some embodiments. For example the hangers 112 may be hung within hooks or openings formed in a ceiling and/or walls of the chamber 104. Additionally or alternatively, the hangers 112 may be removable rods that are suspended within the chamber 104. Further, in some examples, the hangers 112 may include clips, such as pant hangers.

In at least one example, the hangers 112 may be formed integrally with the chamber 104 and may not be removable. For example, one or more hangers 112 may be formed integrally within the chamber and may enable clothing to be hung within the chamber. Such hangers 112 that may be formed integrally within the chamber 104 may include any one or combination of rods, hooks, and clips for hanging the articles 110. It is noted that the hangers 112 may comprise a material that can withstand the conditions of washing and drying within the chamber 104. For example, the hangers 112 may comprise a plastic able to withstand the temperature and moisture conditions within the chamber 104 without melting or otherwise degraded. Additionally or alternatively, the hangers 112 may comprise a metal able to withstand the temperature and moisture conditions within the chamber 104.

Hanging one or more articles 110 on hangers 112 within the chamber 104 may suspend the articles 110 within the chamber 104 for one or more of a washing cycle and a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device 100, and in at least one example, the washing cycle and the drying cycle of the clothing treatment device 100 may be carried out without altering a pressure within the chamber 104.

For example, a washing cycle of the clothing treatment device 100 may include washing articles 110 that are in a hanging configuration within the chamber 104 without altering a pressure within chamber 104. Thus, the washing cycle may include the steps of hanging one or more articles 110 on hangers 112 within the chamber of the clothing treatment device 100, and operating the clothing treatment device 100 to carry out a washing cycle without carrying out steps to alter a pressure environment within the chamber 104. For example, steps such as pumping air into the chamber 104 when the chamber 104 is sealed and steps such as pumping air out of the chamber 104 when the chamber 104 is sealed may be omitted.

For example, the washing cycle may include releasing one or more of water and washing agents into the chamber 104. It should be appreciated that the water and these washing agents may be released into the chamber 104 without first taking steps to alter a pressure within the chamber 104 in at least one example. In some examples, the one or more of water and the washing agents may be released into the chamber 104 via nozzles which direct the one or more of water and washing agents at the articles 110 in the hanging configuration within the chamber 104. In another example, the chamber 104 may be filled with the one or more of water and washing agents.

In at least one example where one or more articles 110 are washed in a hanging configuration via a washing cycle, one or more ultrasonic generators 540 may be operated to assist in the mechanical removal of dirt from the articles 110 in the hanging configuration. For example, the one or more ultrasonic generators 540 may be operated in any one or combination of the manners described above. In at least one embodiment, when operating the clothing treatment device 100 to carry out a washing cycle with one or more articles 110 in a hanging configuration within the chamber 104, one or more of water and washing agents may be released into the chamber 104, and then one or more ultrasonic generators 540 which may be in contact with the water may be operated. Then, as the one or more ultrasonic generators which are in contact with the water may be operated, the water which is further in contact with the one or more articles 110 may impact articles 110 and assist in mechanically removing dirt, contaminants, or detergent from the articles 110. The washing cycle may further include draining the water and/or washing agents from the chamber 104. In some examples, following a completion of the washing cycle, a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device may immediately be carried out within the same chamber 104. However, in other examples, the articles 110 may be removed from the chamber 104 following the completion of the washing cycle. For example, articles 110 may be removed from the chamber 104 and allowed to air dry. Further, in at least one example, articles 110 may be removed from the chamber 104 and transferred to another clothing treatment device for drying the articles 110.

In regards to carrying out a drying cycle, it is appreciated that in at least one example a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device 100 may include drying one or more articles 110 in a hanging configuration within the chamber 104 without altering a pressure of the chamber 104 for the drying cycle.

In examples where the drying cycle is carried out without altering a pressure of the chamber 104 for the drying cycle, any one or combination of the above discussed steps for carrying out a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device 100, with the exception of steps for altering the pressure within chamber 104, may be included. For example, any one or combination of the above steps disclosed for carrying out a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device 100 may be included with the exception of pumping air out of the chamber 104 and pumping air into the chamber 104 while the chamber 104 is sealed. In at least one example, the drying cycle of the clothing treatment device 100 may be carried out to dry articles 110 that are in a hanging configuration in chamber 104 following washing the same articles 110 in the same chamber 104. However, in other examples, articles 110 that are in a hanging configuration within the chamber 104 for a drying cycle may not be washed in the chamber 104 prior to being dried in chamber 104. For example, instead articles 110 may be transferred to the chamber 104 from another clothing treatment device or a different chamber of clothing treatment device 100 following washing of these articles 110 in the other clothing treatment device or the different chamber of the clothing treatment device 100. Alternatively, articles 110 may positioned in a hanging configuration within the chamber 104 without having been washed immediately prior to being positioned within the chamber 104. Thus, articles 110 that are substantially dry may be placed within the chamber 104 for a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device. For example, a drying cycle of articles 110 in a hanging configuration within the clothing treatment device 100 may be beneficial for reducing wrinkles in such articles 110, thus articles 110 that are substantially dry may be positioned in a hanging configuration within the clothing treatment device 100 for a drying cycle to reduce wrinkles in these articles 110, in at least one example.

In examples where the clothing treatment device 100 is operated to carry out a drying cycle without altering a pressure within the chamber 104 of the clothing treatment device 100, the articles 110 in a hanging configuration within the chamber 104, the articles 110 may first be hung within the chamber 104. In some examples, the articles 110 may be hung prior to a washing cycle and then these same articles 110 may remain in a hanging configuration for a drying cycle that directly follows this washing cycle. However, in other examples the articles 110 may be hung directly prior to a drying cycle, where there are no other cycles operated between hanging the articles 110 and carrying out a drying cycle.

The clothing treatment device 100 may then be operated to carry out a drying cycle with the articles 110 in the hanging configuration within the chamber 104. The drying cycle may include flowing air through the chamber 104. Additionally or alternatively heat may be applied to the chamber. For example, one or more nozzles may direct airflow at the articles 110 that are in the hanging configuration, and in some examples, the air that is flowed through the chamber 104 via the one or more nozzles may be heated. However, in other examples, the air may be an ambient temperature. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, steam may be flowed through the chamber 104 in addition to the air flowed through chamber 104. In at least one example, one or more ultrasonic generators 540 may be operated to assist with mechanically cleaning the articles 110 during the drying cycle. As air and/or steam is flowed through the chamber 104, water may evaporate from one or more of the articles 110 that are in the hanging configuration. Thus, a condensation plate similar to the condensation plate described above may be included in at least one example to control an amount of moisture within the chamber 104. For examples where a drying cycle is carried out with articles 110 in a hanging configuration and without altering an internal pressure of the chamber 104, any one or combination of the example air and steam paths as discussed above may be used, so long as the chamber 104 is not sealed off while air is pumped into the chamber 104 or while air is pumped out of the chamber 104. For example, the chamber 104 may not be completely sealed off when pumping air into the chamber 104 and when pumping air out of the chamber 104 in examples where an internal pressure of the chamber 104 is not altered. Thus, the drying cycle may be carried out without substantially altering a pressure within the chamber 104. In at least embodiment, a drying cycle may be determined to be complete responsive to detecting that moisture level within the chamber 104 is less than a threshold moisture threshold.

Turning to FIG. 1B, it shows an alternative embodiment of clothing treatment device 100, also referred to as dryer 100, comprising a rotating drum 202. Similar features to those introduced in FIG. 1A are labelled with the same reference numerals, and only differing features will be described for FIG. 1B. Rotating drum 202 may be a cylindrical structure comprising a side wall 204 and/or paddles 206. One or more end faces 212 of rotating drum 202 may be open to and/or accessible by a user, e.g. through door 122. Rotating drum 202 may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis. Rotation of rotating drum 202 may be driven by a motor 208 which may be coupled to rotating drum 202. In one embodiment, motor 208 may comprise a driveshaft 210. Driveshaft 210 may be in mechanical contact with rotating drum 202 such that rotation of driveshaft 210 may be communicated to rotating drum 202 to drive rotation of rotation drum 202. For example, driveshaft 210 may drive rotating drum 202 through one or more belts and/or one or more gears coupling driveshaft 210 and rotating drum 202. Fabric articles 110 may be placed inside rotating drum 202, e.g. through an access door such as door 122. During a drying cycle, fabric articles may be tumbled inside rotating drum 202 due to a rotation of drum 202. Tumbling of fabric articles may be aided by an impact of paddles 206, which may serve to agitate and/or distribute a range of motion of fabric articles 110 being tumbled.

Side wall 204 may be gas-permeable. In one embodiment, side wall 204 may comprise holes or passages which gases may pass through. The size of said holes may be chosen such that gas may freely pass through but a structural rigidity and strength sufficient to contain a loading of fabric articles 110 is maintained. For instance, side wall 204 may be made of a metal mesh or screen, and may further comprise a rigid skeletal structure which may reinforce the metal mesh or screen.

Heat sources may be positioned such that heat may be applied to fabric articles 110 within rotating drum 202. In one embodiment, one or more radiators 150 may be positioned on an end face 212 of rotating drum 202. In a further embodiment, said end face 212 may be uncoupled from rotating drum 202, and/or stationary relative to a rotation of rotating drum 202. Additionally or alternatively, end face 212 may be a face of chamber 104, and/or may be coupled to a face of chamber 104. Radiant energy may be directed at articles 110 inside rotating drum 202 through one or more end faces, which may be open and/or permeable by radiant energy, e.g. infrared light. Radiators 150 may also direct radiant energy into the interior of rotating drum 202 through side wall 204, which may be at least partially permeable by radiant energy, e.g. infrared light.

Additionally or alternatively, a source of hot air such as air heater 140 may apply hot air to articles inside rotating drum 202. In one embodiment, one or more nozzles 220 may be coupled to outlet 144 may direct hot air from air heater 140 to the inside of rotating drum 202 such that hot air may be directly applied, e.g. blown onto, fabric articles 110. In one embodiment, one or more nozzles 220 may direct hot air through an end face of rotating drum 202, e.g. one of end faces 212. Additionally or alternatively, one or more nozzles 220 may direct hot air through side wall 204, which may be gas permeable. Hot air and/or evaporated moisture may flow out of drum 202 during a drying cycle, where it may be evacuated by vacuum pump 130. Additionally or alternatively, evaporated moisture may be condensed on cold plate 160. Air and/or evaporated moisture may flow through one or more open faces of rotating drum 202, and or one or more gas permeable faces or walls of rotating drum 202.

One or more nozzles 220 may be coupled to one or more passages that are fluidly coupled to ore or more components of clothing treatment device 100. In one embodiment, nozzles 220 may be distributed throughout chamber 104 such that they may distribute a fluid, such as hot air, water, or steam, evenly throughout chamber 104. The nozzles 220 may be alternately positioned such that the fluid distribution may be targeted at specific points or areas of chamber 104. For example, one or more nozzles may be aimed at one or more articles 110 such that air or fluid may be distributed directly to the surface of articles 110. The directional orientation and/or direction of spray of one or more nozzles 220 may be positioned aligned substantially in one or more of the x, y, or z directions, or at angles therebetween. A plurality of nozzles may be positioned along one or more walls of chamber 104, and/or may be extended into an interior of chamber 104 on an extended duct or fluid passage. In one example, 5 to 10 nozzles may be positioned at regularly-spaced intervals on a wall of chamber 104 adjacent to articles 110, which may be in a hanging configuration. The nozzles 220 may have a direction of spray aimed to distribute air or other fluids evenly over the surfaces of the hanging articles 110.

Further, in at least one example, the rotating drum 202 may have an unaltered internal pressure for a washing cycle of the clothing treatment device 100. Additionally or alternatively, the rotating drum may have an unaltered internal pressure for a drying cycle of the clothing treatment device 100. For example, a washing cycle of the clothing treatment device 100 may include washing clothing within the rotating drum 202 without altering a pressure within the rotating drum. Such a washing cycle may include any one or combination of the above discussed steps, for example. Similarly, a drying cycle may include drying one or more clothing articles within the rotating drum 202 without altering a pressure of the rotating drum 202 for the drying cycle, and any one or combination of the above discussed steps for a drying cycle may be included.

Turning to FIG. 2, it shows a block diagram of components of clothing treatment device 100, which may optionally be included in a clothing treatment system 700. In the depicted embodiment, clothing treatment device 100 comprises a controller 502 including a processor 503 and non-transitory memory 506 storing instructions executable by the processor. The controller 502 may receive signals from various sensors, such as sensors 510 and 512, and may employ various actuators (e.g., actuators of ultrasonic generator 540, vacuum pump 130, air heater 140, radiators 150, valves 134, 146, 186, cooler 166, and fan 170) to adjust clothing treatment device operation based on the received signals from the sensors and executable instructions stored in memory 506. For example, adjusting a flow of air into chamber 104 may include the controller adjusting an actuator of valve 146 to adjust a position or state of valve 146 to thereby adjust said flow of air. Controller 502 may further comprise at least one input bus and at least one output bus for the receiving and sending of electronic signals. Controller 502 may be coupled to devices and/or actuators of clothing treatment device 100 and may control one or more parameters of said devices. For instance, controller 502 may activate and/or vary one or more of an electrical voltage, electrical current, and electrical resistance supplied to one or more of vacuum pump 130, air heater 140, radiators 150, cooler 166, fan 170, and ultrasonic generator 540. In one embodiment, controller 502 may actuate a setting of a variable resistor coupled to one or more devices. Controller 502 may further actuate a position of a valve such as valve 134, 146, or 186 or may actuate a position of a lock or latch coupled to door 122. In one embodiment, controller 502 may control operation of vacuum pump 130 to reduce the air pressure of chamber 104 during the operation of dryer 100. Controller 502 may, in one embodiment, regulate an ingress and egress of gases through one or more valves, such as a passage of gases into and/or out of chamber 104 through the one or more valves. In one embodiment, controller 502 may control operation of cooler 166. In another embodiment, controller 502 may activate and/or adjust a frequency or intensity of one or more ultrasonic generators 540.

Clothing treatment device 100 may comprise a user interface 504 coupled to controller 502. User interface 504 may comprise one or more of a display and a user input device, for example a touchscreen or button pad. User interface 504 may communicate information including one or more of current operating parameters, available drying cycle programs, status of a cycle in progress, time remaining of a cycle in progress, or parameters of available drying cycle programs. A user may use an input device of user interface 504 to initiate a drying cycle, select a drying cycle program, alter one or more drying cycle program parameters, or exert manual control over one or more dryer functions. In one embodiment, a user may abort a drying cycle before it is finished and/or command clothing treatment device 100 to repressurize chamber 104 and release door 122.

The instructions stored in memory 506 may include one or more of user interface operating software, drying cycle program routines, signal processing algorithms for sensors including sensors 510 and 512, threshold values for internal air pressure and/or moisture inside chamber 104, and operating parameters for one or more of door 122, vacuum pump 130, air heater 140, radiators 150, and valves 134 and 146.

As described above, clothing treatment device 100 may comprise sensors including one or more moisture sensors 510 and/or one or more air pressure sensors 512. Sensors 510 and/or 512 may be coupled to controller 502 and may send electronic signals readable by an input of controller 502. A moisture sensor 510 may be sensitive to gaseous water in a sample of air and/or liquid water in a physical area or on a solid surface. In one embodiment, moisture sensor 510 may detect liquid water via direct contact. In another embodiment, moisture sensor 510 may detect liquid water at a distance. In one embodiment, moisture sensor 510 may comprise a probe which may serve as a contact point for a moisture level reading. In one embodiment, moisture sensor 510 may be arranged such that it may detect and measure a level of moisture in one or more fabric articles 110. In another embodiment, moisture sensor 510 may be arranged such that it may detect and measure a level or rate of evaporation or gaseous water inside chamber 104. An air pressure sensor 512 may be sensitive to a gas pressure in contact with a sensitive area of air pressure sensor 512. In one embodiment, air pressure sensor 512 may directly contact a volume of air to measure the pressure of the volume of air. In another embodiment, air pressure sensor 512 may measure a composition, temperature, and/or density of a sample of air. In a further embodiment, air pressure sensor 512 may measure the deflection of a membrane.

In one embodiment, clothing treatment device 100 may comprise a system for applying steam to chamber 104. Steam may be passed into chamber 104 as a part of a selectable steam cycle. In one embodiment, a steam cycle may be a stage of a washing or drying cycle. In some examples, the steam cycle may be for the refreshment of fabric articles, the reduction of wrinkles in fabric articles, or the removal of stains on fabric articles. Steam may be introduced into chamber 104 using a steam generation system coupled to one or more steam nozzles, such as nozzles 220, in chamber 104. In one embodiment, condensation collected from chamber 104 during drying, such as water collected from cold plate 160, may be repurposed for the use of generating steam, for example by directing collected water from water collector 172 to a steam generation system. In alternate embodiments, a separate water source may be used for the generation of steam.

Steam may be circulated through chamber 104 and removed from the air by one or more of vacuum pump 130 and cold plate 160. In another embodiment, a steam stage of a drying cycle may conclude the drying cycle, and the steam may not be removed from chamber 104 at the end of the cycle. Steam may be allowed to escape chamber 104 upon the opening of door 122 by a user. In other examples, steam may be introduced into chamber 104 during a steam cycle and held in chamber 104 for a period of time. After a steam holding period, the steam may be extracted from chamber 104 or allowed to escape through an opening such as door 122.

In an optional embodiment, clothing treatment device 100 may be comprised in a further clothing treatment system 700, which may be a combination washer and dryer device or a standalone washer. The clothing treatment system 700 may further comprise a loading receptacle 602 which may store and/or load containers 600 containing a washing agent, such as a detergent, bleach, fabric softener, etc. Loading receptacle 602 may further comprise one or more sensors 608, such as optical cameras, barcode scanners, etc. Sensors 608 may detect one or more indicators on a container 600 placed in loading receptacle 602, such as text, symbols, branding, or machine-readable codes, and send signals with the detected indicators to the controller.

In one or more optional embodiments, clothing treatment system 700 may comprise washing and drying functions in one unit. In one example, chamber 104 may be a combination washing and drying chamber. The chamber 104 may be Tillable with water. Chamber 104 may further comprise a detergent loading mechanism, which may transfer detergent for washing from loading receptacle 602 to chamber 104. The loading receptacle 602 may be user-fillable with a bulk detergent or with a pre-packaged detergent unit. In one embodiment, a pre-packaged detergent unit may comprise a package which may be emptied of its contents by a mechanism of the clothing treatment system 700, or may comprise a dissolvable package which may be dissolved in water inside chamber 104. Fabric articles 110 may be loaded into a chamber 104 via door 122. In one embodiment, chamber 104 may comprise an agitator, which may for example be rotating drum 202. In a further embodiment, fabric articles 110 may be loaded inside the agitator. The agitator may be submerged in water inside chamber 104. Motion of the agitator, such as a continuous or reciprocating rotation, vibration, or spatial translation, may impact fabric articles 110 with water during a washing stage of a washing and/or drying cycle.

In an optional embodiment, a user may commence a washing stage via input to a user interface such as user interface 504. In a further embodiment, the washing stage may be part of a combined washing and drying cycle, wherein fabric articles 110 may be loaded into the clothing treatment system 700 to be washed and dried in a single cycle. In another embodiment, a user may select a washing-only cycle or a drying-only cycle. Upon initiating a washing stage, chamber 104 may be sealed such that it may hold water without leaking and without damaging electronics and/or other components coupled to chamber 104. In one embodiment, components inside or coupled to chamber 104 comprise waterproof housings and/or seals. Water may be introduced into chamber 104 by a water system 610. In one embodiment, water system 610 may comprise one or more of spouts, filling holes, spray nozzles, a water pump, plumbing passages, drains, and valves for filling and draining. Water may be pumped through openings such as the filling spouts or holes by a water pump further comprised in water system 610, which may be connected to a water supply such as a water tank or a water supply plumbing system. Operation of water system 610 may optionally be controlled via controller 502. In some embodiments, a pressurized water supply may supply water to chamber 104 without the need for a water pump. In an alternative embodiment, chamber 104 may comprise a sub-chamber or a vessel contained within the chamber which may be filled with water and loaded with fabric articles for washing. In a further embodiment, the sub-chamber or vessel may rotate or agitate the fabric articles during a washing stage. In yet another embodiment, water may be sprayed at a high pressure via a plurality of spray nozzles onto fabric articles 110 and drained continuously, such that chamber 104 is not sealed or filled with water during a washing cycle. The plurality of spray nozzles may be selected, directed, and/or sequenced to maximize cleaning effectiveness and minimize the use of water and detergent. Detergent may be loaded into chamber 104 and mixed with the water. A washing cycle may comprise one or more selectable programs which may determine a rate, length, and sequence of washing, agitating, spinning, water refilling, and/or rinsing sub-stages.

In an optional embodiment, chamber 104 may be altered in pressure such that the internal pressure may be raised and/or lowered from ambient pressure at one or more times during a washing and/or drying cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure within chamber 104 may be altered from a first pressure to a second pressure and then subsequently altered again to one or more subsequent pressures, e.g. a third, fourth, fifth pressure, etc. Each subsequent pressure may be higher or lower than the first pressure. In one embodiment, the first pressure may be equal to an ambient pressure outside chamber 104. Furthermore, each subsequent pressure may be different from any other subsequent pressure. In one example, fabric articles may be washed under a raised pressure. A raised pressure during washing may in one embodiment include one or more of a raised gas (e.g., water vapor) pressure and a raised water pressure inside chamber 104. An increased water pressure may contribute to an increased penetration of water and/or of washing agents (also referred to herein as cleaning agents) such as detergents between the fibers of fabric articles. Additionally or alternatively, a pressure of gas and/or water inside chamber 104 may be reduced while a washing cycle is in process. In one example, the pressure may be reduced from a condition of being raised from ambient pressure to a condition of being lowered from ambient pressure. Lowering the internal pressure at a predetermined moment during a washing cycle, such as during a rinsing stage, may improve the efficiency of washing. For example, lowering pressure during a rinsing stage may facilitate the exiting of water and/or washing agents from inside the fibers of fabric articles, contributing to improved effectiveness of agitation or more complete removal of washing agents by rinse water. Further, in at least one example, the cleaning agents introduced may be dry-cleaning agents, where the introduction of water may not be necessary with the introduction of the dry-cleaning agents. Rather, the dry-cleaning agents may be introduced into the chamber in combination with a steaming process in order to clean the articles within the chamber.

In one embodiment, a pressure inside chamber 104 may be raised and/or lowered by a vacuum pump such as vacuum pump 130. Vacuum pump 130 may be operable in a forward and a reverse direction, wherein gases may be pumped out of chamber 104 through an inlet to the vacuum pump in fluid communication with chamber 104, such as inlet 132, and/or gases may be pumped into chamber 104 through the same inlet 132, where the inlet 132 may function as an outlet of vacuum pump 130 during a reverse operating mode. The vacuum pump 130 operating in reverse may raise the pressure inside chamber 104, and in some cases may raise the pressure above an ambient pressure.

In an optional embodiment, chamber 104 may be drained of water at the end of a washing stage. Chamber 104 may comprise a drain which may be engaged or opened for the draining of water at a sub-stage of a washing cycle or at the end of a washing cycle. Water may be drained and refilled more than once during a washing stage. In one embodiment, fabric articles 110 may be spun in a rotating apparatus, which may be rotating drum 202, such that excess water is removed from fabric articles 110 by centrifugal force. In one embodiment, upon draining of water at the end of a washing stage, a drying stage or drying cycle may automatically commence, or may be manually commenced by a user, without removing fabric articles 110 from chamber 104. In a further embodiment, all or part of the methods 300 or 400 described hereinbelow may be initiated after the end of a washing stage. In this way, the functions of a washing and drying machine may be combined in one unit, with the functions and benefits of the heretofore described dryer incorporated therein. In one embodiment, fabric articles may be sterilized by irradiation with ultraviolet light. In a further embodiment, one or more radiators 150 may be configured to emit ultraviolet light for the irradiation of fabric articles 110.

In a further optional embodiment, the clothing treatment system 700 may set parameters of a washing cycle or washing stage of a combined washing and drying cycle based on a detergent loaded into a washing agent loading receptacle 602. In one embodiment, a container 600 having pre-packaged detergent and/or bleach may be placed or stored in the loading receptacle 602. The container may be a pre-packaged or commercially-packaged amount of a washing agent, such as detergent, bleach, fabric softener, or another laundry additive. The washing agent may be a dry or wet agent in a solid or liquid form. In one embodiment, the container 600 may contain an amount of a washing agent suitable for a single wash load, or may contain a supply of a washing agent for dosing throughout multiple wash loads or cycles. In one embodiment, the container 600 may indicate characteristics of the fabric articles on which it is meant to be used in a washing cycle. For example, the container 600 may indicate, by use of text, symbols, or machine-readable codes, characteristics of fabric articles for which the contained washing agent is appropriate. Said characteristics may include one or more of a fabric article material, blend of materials, fabric article weight or total load weight, and fabric article color or color categorization. Container 600 may also indicate further information about the washing agent contained, such as a scent, chemical composition, brand, etc. In one embodiment, a plurality of containers 600 may be loaded in a plurality of loading receptacles 602, and the clothing treatment system 700 may employ one or more containers 600 in a washing cycle. In an alternative embodiment, a container 600 may contain multiple washing agents, such as a detergent and a bleach.

Clothing treatment system 700 may detect one or more characteristics of fabric articles 110 loaded in chamber 104. For example, a weight of the fabric articles may be detected, or a material type and/or material color, or multiples and/or combinations thereof, such as a presence of white and brightly-colored articles, or of cottons and synthetic fabrics. Chamber 104 may comprise one or more detectors for the sensing of fabric article characteristics, such as cameras, pressure sensors, etc. In one embodiment, a sensor, which may be placed inside chamber 104, may read laundry care instructions on a tag of one or more fabric articles. The detector(s) may send signal(s) to the controller including the detected characteristics. Upon detection of one or more characteristics of fabric articles 110, the controller of clothing treatment system 700 may select one or more containers 600 suitable for use with the fabric articles contained in chamber 104 based on the detected characteristics. In one embodiment, a weight of fabric articles 110 may be detected, and a corresponding amount of a washing agent from one or more containers 600 may be loaded from the loading receptacle 602 into chamber 104.

In an optional embodiment, a user may place a container 600 into loading receptacle 602 of clothing treatment system 700. The container 600 may indicate a type of washing and/or drying cycle to be initiated. For example, the insertion of a container 600 indicating a heavy-soil, bright-color wash load may prompt the controller to initiate of a heavy-duty bright-color washing cycle. The one or more sensors 608 placed in loading receptacle 602 may include a barcode scanner and/or a camera, and may read indicators such as text, symbols, and machine-readable codes on the container 600 and output one or more signals to a controller such as controller 502, which may select a washing and/or drying cycle based on an indication from container 600. In this way, a user may select a preferred washing and/or drying cycle by placing the corresponding type of container 600 into the loading receptacle. In one embodiment, the clothing treatment system 700 may sense and respond to a branded mark on a container 600. For instance, the insertion of “Brand X” may cause the controller 502 to store a preference for “Brand X” in memory 506, or the insertion of “Extra Strength Brand” may cause the controller to initiate a heavy-soil washing cycle due to an association with the given brand with heavy-soil wash cycles, which may be stored in memory 506.

In an optional embodiment, chamber 104 may comprise a plurality of loading receptacles 602. Each loading receptacle 602 may be loaded with a washing agent, where each may be of a different type. For example, a first receptacle 602 may be loaded with an extra-strength detergent, a second receptacle 602 may be loaded with a delicate-strength detergent, and a third receptacle 602 may be loaded with a bleach. In one embodiment, washing agents may be loaded in bulk, for example as a bulk liquid or as a bulk powder. One or more receptacles 602 may be containers, or may comprise containers, such as a tub or a jug, for the holding of bulk washing agents. In another example, one or more receptacles 602 may hold a bulk container of a washing agent, such as a bottle or jug of a liquid detergent, wherein the container may be the container in which the agent is supplied or otherwise stored when not in use. For example, a powdered detergent may be stored in a bucket in which it is packaged and delivered from the manufacturer, and said bucket may be loaded to receptacle 602 such that chamber 104 may dispense at least a portion of the detergent from the bucket during a washing cycle. Additionally or alternatively, one or more loading receptacles 602 may be loaded with small containers 600 of a washing agent. In one embodiment, the small containers 600 may contain single-use portions of a washing agent. In an example, the small containers 600 may be boxes, packets, or pods. In another embodiment, the containers 600 may be portions of a washing agent comprising no packaging but otherwise bound or encapsulated, for example as a dry tablet which dissolves in water.

In one embodiment, the clothing treatment system 700 may dispense a plurality of washing agents from the plurality of loading receptacles 602 at the times they are needed during a washing cycle. The clothing treatment system 700 may further dispense each washing agent in metered amounts, for example 0.2 liters or three packets. In another example, during a washing cycle, the controller may control the clothing treatment system 700 to dispense a metered amount of a bulk liquid detergent as well as a metered amount of a bulk liquid bleach at the commencement of a washing cycle, and to add a dissolvable pod containing a fabric softener at a point halfway through the cycle. In one embodiment, one or more of the types of washing agents added, the metered amounts, and the times throughout a cycle at which the agents are added may be predefined and associated with a selected washing cycle program. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the types of washing agents added, the metered amounts, and the times throughout a cycle at which the agents are added may be based on one or more conditions detected by one or more sensors. For example, a detected weight of a load of fabric articles or a scanned laundry care tag attached to a fabric article may dynamically dictate one or more of a type or types of washing agents to be used, one or more metered amounts, or a sequence or time of addition of one or more agents. In another example, chemical sensors may be used to determine a concentration of one or more chemicals in the washing water to control the dispensing of chemicals in the washing process.

In some embodiments, dryer 100 and/or a clothing treatment system 700 may further include a communication unit 507 through which an external communication device may send and receive information to controller 502. For example, a communication unit may be an internet transceiver, such as a wired or wireless internet adapter, an infrared signal receiver, or a cellular data connection. The external communication device may be an internet-connected server 530, or a portable device 520, which may be a remote control device, a tablet or smartphone, or a personal computer.

In an optional embodiment, communication unit 507 may be an internet-connected communication unit, and controller 502 may communicate through the internet-connected communication unit 507 with an internet-connected server 530. Controller 502 may, in one example, send instructions to the server 530 to purchase a supply of a washing agent, such as a detergent. Controller 502 may sense a low supply of a particular detergent stored in a loading receptacle 602 of the clothing treatment system 700, e.g. with a camera or pressure sensor sensing a weight of the washing agent supply. Controller 502 may send instructions to a server for the purchase of more washing agent. In one example, washing agent may be automatically purchased from an internet supplier, charged to a preferred account and shipped to a preferred address of a user. The supplier of the container 600 may be a manufacturer, a supermarket or another supplier able to communicate with the server 530. In another example, controller 502 may instruct the server 530 to notify a user, e.g. via email or text message, of a low supply of the washing agent. In yet another example, a user interface of controller 502 may indicate a low supply of the washing agent. A preferred threshold amount of washing agent at which an action is performed in response to the threshold amount may be selected by the user. For example, the user may select an action to be performed by controller 502, such as automatically purchasing a new supply of washing agent, when three containers of washing agent are left in a loading receptacle 602.

In an optional embodiment, dryer 100 or clothing treatment system 700 may be remotely controlled from a portable device 520 via the communication unit. In one example, a tablet or personal computer may interface with controller 502 using an internet or wireless application program 524 which may offer user interface functions for the dryer or clothing treatment system 700. In one embodiment, the functions of user interface 504 may be extended to the application program 524, such that a user may use a portable device 520 to perform functions such as initiate a drying or washing cycle, program a dryer or washer/dryer device to initiate a cycle at a programmed date and time, check diagnostic statuses or sensor readings, check the status of a cycle in progress, etc.

In a further embodiment, a web-based application program may be used to control and communicate with controller 502. The web-based application program may in one example be accessed by entering login credentials which may allow a user to interface with a specific washing and/or drying device, such as dryer 100. The web-based application program may be accessed using a web browser on a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone device. The web-based application program may offer a selection of controls comprised in user interface 504, as well as a selection of feedback information offered by user interface 504. In one embodiment, an application program accessible on a portable or remote device may replace user interface 504, being the primary interface for controlling the washer and/or dryer unit. In one embodiment, the washer and/or dryer unit may be controlled by connecting a remote device, such as a laptop computer, by a cable to a control port physically coupled to controller 502, such as a USB or Ethernet port.

In an optional embodiment, server 530 may contain instructions related to washing and/or drying cycles which may be accessible by controller 502 through communication unit 507. Updates to system software may be downloaded from the server 530 and installed on controller 502 manually by a user or automatically. Washing and/or drying cycle programs may be downloaded relating to particular fabric article or washing agent characteristics, such as cycle programs related to certain fabric article materials, colors, load amounts, soil amounts, cleaning techniques, sequences of cycle stages appropriate, heavy-duty or delicate wash cycles, brands of fabric articles, laundry care instructions attached to fabric articles, and brands or types of washing agents. For example, laundry care instructions for a particular brand of clothing may be retrieved from the server 530. A washing and/or drying cycle program related to the particular brand of clothing may also be downloaded from the server 530 and executed by controller 502. Controller 502 may, in one embodiment, detect a brand of fabric article inside a washing and/or drying chamber, e.g. by detecting a brand mark with an optical camera, and may query the server 530 for instructions related to the brand mark. Controller 502 may query the server 530 for information regarding an appropriate washing agent, drying temperature, drying heat source, whether to deactivate a portion of the cycle such as an entire drying cycle or a washing agitation cycle, etc.

In one or more of the above embodiments, one or more components and one or more features of clothing treatment system 700 may be embodied in a standalone washer unit. The standalone washer may be configured for washing fabric articles. One or more washing cycles of the standalone washer may wash fabric articles under an altered internal pressure. The standalone washer may comprise a sealable chamber such as chamber 104, which in some embodiments may be considered a washing chamber when chamber 104 is used for washing fabric articles. In one embodiment, the standalone washer may lack one or more drying functions. In a further embodiment, the standalone washer may lack one or more components of clothing treatment system 700 related to drying, such as air heater 140 or cold plate 160. In a further embodiment, a standalone washer may be used in conjunction with a separate dryer 100, wherein a user may load fabric articles washed in the standalone washer into dryer 100 for drying.

In an optional embodiment, in the washer described hereinabove, articles 110 may be hung on hangers 112 during a washing cycle. In a further embodiment, one or more of water and at least one washing agent may be introduced into the washing chamber during a washing cycle. For example, one or more nozzles 220 may direct jets of water, a washing agent, or a combination thereof into the washing chamber. Jets may be directed at articles being washed. Jets may aid in the washing of articles by mechanically impacting articles with fluid, and dislodging dirt or contaminants from the articles by a force of impact. A pressure of the jet may be selected or controlled such that the path of the stream and/or impact force of the jet on the articles may be adjusted. A direction of each of the one or more nozzles may be fixed or movable. In some examples, one or more nozzles may be movable by one or more motors or actuators throughout a mechanical range of motion, such that the jet may be directed at a plurality of points or moved automatically through a spraying pattern during washing. A movable position, activation of the stream, and/or a flow control of the one or more nozzles may be controlled by a controller 502. The one or more nozzles may be selected, directed, and/or sequenced to maximize cleaning effectiveness and/or minimize the use of water and/or detergent. In some embodiments, hangers and/or jets may be employed in a washer without any capability of the washer to create an internal altered pressure environment.

The washer may further comprise one or more acoustic radiators. The one or more acoustic radiators may emit acoustic energy inside a washing chamber such as chamber 104. The acoustic energy may be in the form of sound waves in a gas inside the washing chamber, wherein the sound waves may occupy a subsonic, audible, and/or ultrasonic range of frequencies. In one embodiment, the acoustic radiators may transmit ultrasonic waves through a gas phase to one or more articles being washed. Ultrasonic waves may cause gas particles to mechanically impact the articles being washed, and/or may induce mechanical vibrations directly in the articles being washed. These mechanical impacts and/or vibrations may help to dislodge dirt or contaminants from the articles during washing, and may thereby contribute to their removal and the overall effectiveness of a washing cycle. In some embodiments, ultrasonic waves may provide a gentler alternative to mechanical agitation such as tumbling, and may reduce the rate of wear on the articles being washed. In some embodiments, acoustic radiators may be employed in a washer which has no function of creating an internal altered pressure environment. In other embodiments, acoustic radiators may be used during a washing cycle which may comprise an altered pressure component. Acoustic energy may be transmitted through a gas phase under a reduced or raised pressure in some examples. In other examples, a washing cycle may comprise one or more stages at which a first altered internal pressure is returned to an ambient pressure, or otherwise altered to a second altered pressure, to facilitate a transmission of ultrasonic waves through the internal gases of the washing chamber, after which stage the pressure may be returned to the first altered pressure or altered to a further subsequent pressure.

In another embodiment, in the dryer described hereinabove, articles 110 may be hung on hangers 112 during a drying cycle. In a further embodiment, one or more nozzles may direct heated air from a heated air source, such as air heater 140, to one or more articles being dried inside the drying chamber. Directing heated air at the articles being dried may improve the speed or efficiency of drying. In some embodiments, one or more nozzles may emit a jet of air, which may exit the nozzle with an air pressure which may be selected such that the gas particles of the jet may have a certain force of impact at a certain distance. Gas particles propelled by air jets may mechanically impact articles being dried with a certain force, and may serve to mechanically dislodge particles or drops of water from the articles, which may increase the speed or efficiency of drying. In some embodiments, one or more nozzles may be further employed for emitting a jet of steam during an optional steam cycle. A pressure of the jet may be selected or controlled such that the path of the stream and/or impact force of the jet on the articles may be adjusted. A direction of each of the one or more nozzles may be fixed or movable. In some examples, one or more nozzles may be movable by one or more motors or actuators throughout a mechanical range of motion, such that the jet may be directed at a plurality of points or moved automatically through a spraying pattern during drying. A movable position, activation of the stream, and/or a flow control of the one or more nozzles may be controlled by a controller such as controller 502. The one or more nozzles may be selected, directed, and/or sequenced to maximize drying effectiveness and/or minimize the use of air. In some embodiments, hangers and/or jets may be employed in a clothing treatment device without any capability of the clothing treatment device to create an internal altered pressure environment.

In a further embodiment, the clothing treatment device may further comprise one or more acoustic radiators. The one or more acoustic radiators may emit acoustic energy inside a drying chamber such as chamber 104. The acoustic energy may be in the form of sound waves in a gas inside the drying chamber, wherein the sound waves may occupy a subsonic, audible, and/or ultrasonic range of frequencies. In one embodiment, the acoustic radiators may transmit ultrasonic waves through a gas phase to one or more articles being dried. Ultrasonic waves may cause gas particles to mechanically impact the articles being dried, and/or may induce mechanical vibrations directly in the articles being dried. These mechanical impacts and/or vibrations may help to dislodge water from the articles during drying, and may thereby improve the overall speed or efficiency of drying. In some embodiments, ultrasonic waves may provide a gentler alternative to mechanical agitation such as tumbling, and may reduce the rate of wear on the articles being dried. In some embodiments, acoustic radiators may be employed in a dryer which has no function of creating an internal altered pressure environment. In other embodiments, acoustic radiators may be used during a drying cycle which may comprise an altered pressure component. Acoustic energy may be transmitted through a gas phase under a reduced or raised pressure in some examples. In other examples, a drying cycle may comprise one or more stages at which a first altered internal pressure is returned to an ambient pressure, or otherwise altered to a second altered pressure, to facilitate a transmission of ultrasonic waves through the internal gases of the drying chamber, after which stage the pressure may be returned to the first altered pressure or altered to a further subsequent pressure.

In one embodiment, a combination washer and dryer clothing treatment device may comprise one or more hangers such as hangers 112. The hangers may be positioned inside a chamber for washing and drying, such as chamber 104. In one embodiment, articles may be hung on the hangers for a washing, drying, or combined washing and drying cycle. In a further embodiment, articles may be hung on the one or more hangers throughout a washing and drying cycle. The combination washer and dryer may further comprise one or more nozzles which may direct one or more of water, washing agent, air, and steam onto the articles being washed and/or dried. In some embodiments, one or more nozzles may be purposed for emitting both liquids and gases. In other embodiments, separate nozzles may be provided for emitting liquids and gases. In one embodiment, a combination washer and dryer, not having the function of producing an internal altered pressure, may comprise one or more hangers and/or nozzles.

A combination washer and dryer unit may further comprise one or more acoustic radiators positioned inside a chamber for washing and drying, such as chamber 104. The acoustic radiators may transmit ultrasonic waves through a gas phase inside the chamber to one or more articles being dried. In one embodiment, the acoustic radiators may produce acoustic waves during one or more of a washing cycle and a drying cycle. Acoustic waves may provide mechanical impact of gas particles and/or vibrations in articles being washed and/or dried, which may aid in dislodging contaminants from the articles during washing and/or water from the articles during drying. In one embodiment, a combination washer and dryer, not having the function of producing an internal altered pressure, may comprise one or more ultrasonic radiators.

Turning to FIG. 3, it shows a flow chart of a method 300 for treating fabric articles. In one embodiment, method 300 may comprise the loading of fabric articles inside a sealed chamber which may be evacuated to a low air pressure, thus lowering an evaporation temperature of moisture to be evaporated from the fabric articles. In one embodiment, the sealed chamber may be chamber 104. In at least one embodiment, the fabric articles may be washed prior to evacuating the sealed chamber to a low air pressure.

At 302, fabric articles 110 are loaded into chamber 104, e.g. manually by a user. Chamber 104 may be accessible through door 122, which may comprise seal 124. Chamber 104 may be sealable as an airtight vessel capable of withstanding an internal air pressure that is reduced relative to an ambient air pressure. At 304, chamber 104 is sealed such that chamber 104 may hold a reduced internal air pressure without leaks. In one embodiment, chamber 104 may be sealed by closing door 122 (e.g., by a user manually closing door 122). In a further embodiment, chamber 104 may be further sealed by closing any passages and/or valves which may permit an unwanted flow of air into chamber 104, e.g. outlet 144 and/or valve 146. The further sealing may be performed by a user, or optionally by the controller via one or more actuators. After 302, the method proceeds to 306.

At 306, gases may be extracted from chamber 104 such that an air pressure inside chamber 104 may be reduced relative to an ambient air pressure outside chamber 104. A boiling point of water may thereby be reduced in lowering the air pressure inside chamber 104. The reduced air pressure may lead to an accelerated rate evaporation of moisture from fabric articles 110, which may cause faster drying of articles at a given rate of heating. Additionally or alternatively, under a reduced pressure, articles may be dried at a reduced heating level, e.g. reduced temperature or volume of hot air, for a given rate of evaporation. An amount of an air pressure reduction inside chamber 104 may be selected such than an optimal evaporation of moisture from articles 110 is achieved at a minimal energy usage and/or minimal mechanical strain of components of dryer 100, e.g. vacuum pump 130 and/or radiators 150. An amount of air pressure reduction may be further selected to achieve a faster rate of drying, such that drying cycle time is reduced, possibly with an energy consumption penalty. After 306, the method proceeds to 308.

At 308, heat may be applied to fabric articles 110. The amount of heat to be applied to the fabric articles may be determined by the controller based on an expected/predefined duration of the drying cycle and/or based on an estimated moistness of the fabric articles. In one embodiment, heat may be supplied as hot air by air heater 140. Additionally or alternatively, heat may be supplied as radiant energy by radiators 150. Heat sources may be positioned for the optimal delivery of one or more of hot air, radiant energy, or another heat delivery medium to fabric articles 110. Application of heat to fabric articles 110 may heat moisture carried on fabric articles 110, leading to evaporation of moisture and drying of fabric articles 110. After 308, the method proceeds to 310.

At 310, evaporated moisture in chamber 104 may be condensed into a liquid on a surface of cold plate 160. Condensed liquids may be collected and stored in water collector 172. Condensing evaporated moisture on cold plate 160 may reduce an overall humidity inside chamber 104 during a drying cycle. After 310, the method proceeds to 312.

At 312, gases may be further extracted from chamber 104 during a drying cycle, or a period of drying of fabric articles 110 under low pressure. In one embodiment, gases may build up inside chamber 104 due to the introduction of hot air into chamber 104 through outlet 144. Additionally or alternatively, a gas pressure of evaporated water may build up in chamber 104 during drying of fabric articles 110. To maintain a low-pressure condition, vacuum pump 130 may extract gases from chamber 104 periodically or continuously during drying. For instance, if hot air from air heater 140 is continuously applied to fabric articles 110 at a given rate during a drying cycle, the vacuum pump may evacuate gases from chamber 104 continuously at the given rate, such that a low internal air pressure is maintained during the drying cycle. Periodic or continuous removal of gases from chamber 104 by vacuum pump 130 may also remove evaporated water particles from chamber 104, maintaining a low humidity condition inside chamber 104. The maintaining of low humidity, or preventing of a buildup or rise in humidity, may prevent a reduction in evaporation rate of moisture from fabric articles 110 during a drying cycle. The condensing of moisture particles on cold plate 160 may further be periodically or continuously performed throughout a drying cycle. A reduction in humidity due to condensing at cold plate 160 reduces a burden of vacuum pump 130 for maintaining a low-humidity condition. A reduced burden on vacuum pump 130 may lead to increased efficiency and/or decreased mechanical strain of vacuum pump 130. After 312, the method proceeds to 314.

At 314, upon a completion of a drying cycle, chamber 104 may be repressurized to ambient outside pressure. In one embodiment, a drying cycle may be completed when fabric articles are determined to be dry. In another embodiment, a drying cycle may be selected to end after a predetermined amount of time. In one embodiment, chamber 104 may be repressurized by venting outside air through outlet 144 and/or valve 146. For example, the controller may control an actuator of valve 146 to increase an opening amount of the valve to allow air to enter chamber 104 via outlet 144. In another embodiment, an alternate passage and/or valve may supply air for repressurization. Door 122 may be opened (e.g., by a user, or automatically) upon an equalization of pressure across the door, allowing a user to access fabric articles 110 inside chamber 104.

After 314, method 300 ends.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of treating fabric articles may comprise one or more of sealing a chamber, determining a moisture level, determining a pressure level, and reducing the pressure level to a preselected level. In one example, the chamber may be chamber 104 and the fabric articles may be fabric articles 110. In one embodiment, the chamber may be heated, for example by one or more heat sources such as air heater 140 and radiators 150. In another embodiment, the fabric articles may be dried without an application of added heat. In one example, the fabric articles may be dried by evaporation of moisture due to ambient heat in the drying chamber under a reduced pressure. In one embodiment, a preselected pressure level may be maintained based on the moisture level being above a threshold. In one embodiment, the moisture level may be reduced, e.g. by controlling the cooler 166 to activate (e.g., cool) cold plate 160 and thereby induce condensation on cold plate 160, based on the moisture level being above a threshold. For example, the moisture level threshold may correspond to a threshold level of humidity, such as 15% humidity, at which the cold plate should be activated to reduce the determined humidity below the threshold. Maintaining a low humidity may in some examples expedite drying. The pressure level may be determined by a sensor to inform a reduction of pressure to a desired level, which may be a level reduced from an ambient pressure.

FIGS. 4A-4C show a flow chart of a method 400 for treating fabric articles wherein a controller such as controller 502 may control and/or actuate the components of clothing treatment device 100 during a drying cycle based on inputs from a user and/or inputs from sensors arranged in dryer 100, such as an air pressure sensor 510 and/or a moisture sensor 512. Instructions for carrying out method 400 and the rest of the methods included herein may be executed by a processor based on instructions stored in non-transitory memory of the controller and in conjunction with signals received from sensors of clothing treatment device 100, such as the sensors described above with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. The controller may employ actuators of the system to adjust dryer operation, according to the methods described below.

At 402, a user may initiate a drying cycle at a user interface 504. In one embodiment, a user may manually control components of clothing treatment device 100, or dryer 100, from user interface 504. In another embodiment, a user may select from one or more automated program cycles stored in a memory 506. In a further embodiment, automated program cycles may have some parameters which may be manually controlled or adjusted by a user, e.g. a drying cycle time or maximum heat level. In some embodiments, a cycle program may include at least one set of parameters, which may include at least one of vacuum pump activation and deactivation, heat source activation and deactivation, valve actuation and position, and door access. In further embodiments, at least one set of parameters may be responsive to input from a sensor exceeding a threshold, wherein the threshold may represent a maximum or a minimum value. In one embodiment, a threshold value may be at least one of an internal air pressure inside chamber 104 and a moisture level of fabric articles 110. After 402, the method proceeds to 406.

At 406, controller 502 may secure door 122. In one embodiment, controller 502 may actuate a door lock or latch which may prevent a user from opening door 122 during the drying cycle. After 406, the method proceeds to 408.

At 408, controller 502 may seal chamber 104 (e.g., by closing valve 146) and activate vacuum pump 130. Valve 146, and other valves or openings in chamber 104, may be sealed such that outside air is not allowed into chamber 104 during depressurization. In some embodiments, valve 146 may be allowed to remain open in order to introduce hot air through valve 146 while simultaneously operating vacuum pump 130. Vacuum pump 130 may be activated and valve 134 may be opened such that air inside chamber 104 is evacuated through valve 134. After 408, the method proceeds to 410.

At 410, controller 502 may retrieve threshold values associated with the selected drying cycle program from memory 506. The threshold values may include one or more of a threshold internal air pressure of chamber 104 and a threshold moisture level of articles 110. The threshold internal air pressure of chamber 104 may determine the target internal air pressure to be achieved and/or maintained inside chamber 104 associated with the selected drying cycle program, which may be sensed by air pressure sensor 510. The threshold moisture level of articles 110 may indicate a target dryness of articles 110, which in one embodiment may signal an end of the drying cycle. In one embodiment, a moisture level of articles 110 may be sensed by moisture sensor 512. Values retrieved from memory 506 may, in one embodiment, be programmed by a user and/or pre-programmed by a manufacturer. After 410, the method proceeds to 412.

At 412, controller 502 may activate one or more heat sources. In one embodiment, heat sources may comprise air heater 140 and/or radiators 150. A type of heat source, e.g. air heat or radiant heat, may be selected by a user during initiation of the drying cycle. In a further embodiment, a user may select a drying cycle program which may incorporate the use of a particular type of heat source. For instance, a user may select a cycle for “delicates” which may exclude the use of hot air, or “synthetics” which may exclude radiant heat. After 412, the method proceeds to 414.

At 414, controller 502 may read an input from moisture sensor 510. Moisture sensor 510 may be positioned to indicate a level of moisture saturation of one or more fabric articles 110. In one embodiment, one or more moisture sensors 510 may be positioned on a wall of chamber 104. In another embodiment, one or more moisture sensors 510 may make physical contact with one or more fabric articles 110. In a further embodiment, one or more moisture sensors 510 may be directional, such that an area of effectiveness adjacent to the sensor is defined and the sensor is not omnidirectional. A directional sensor may be aimed at one or more fabric articles for localization of moisture sensing to prevent false readings from other sources of moisture inside chamber 104, such as humidity or condensation. In another embodiment, one or more moisture sensors 510 may measure a humidity level or amount of gaseous water inside chamber 104. After 414, the method proceeds to 416.

At 416, controller 502 compares an input from moisture sensor 510 with a threshold moisture level stored in memory 506. If a moisture level input from moisture sensor 510 is not below a threshold level, the method may proceed to 418; otherwise, the method may proceed to 436.

At 418, controller 502 may activate vacuum pump 130, or may maintain the operation of vacuum pump 130 if it has already been activated, to reduce gas pressure inside chamber 104. After 418, the method proceeds to 420.

At 420, controller 502 may further activate cold plate 160, or maintain operation of cold plate 160 if it has already been activated, to reduce an amount of gaseous water in chamber 104, which may reduce gas pressure and/or humidity in chamber 104, and may further relieve a burden on vacuum pump 130 to reduce gas pressure and/or removing evaporated water. In one embodiment, cold plate 160 may be activated by activating a cooling mechanism such as cooler 166. In a further embodiment, cold plate 160 may be activated by initiating a circulation of coolant through coolant line 164 and a cooling of said coolant. In other embodiments, an activation of cold plate 160 may cause cold plate 160 to become cold enough to condense gaseous moisture inside chamber 104. After 420, the method proceeds to 422.

At 422, controller 502 reads an input from air pressure sensor 512. Air pressure sensor 512 may be positioned inside chamber 104 such that it may sample a pressure of gases inside chamber 104. After 422, the method proceeds to 424.

At 424, controller 502 compares an air pressure value input from air pressure sensor 512 with a threshold value stored in memory 506. If an air pressure value input from air pressure sensor 512 is not below a threshold level, the method may return to 422 such that vacuum pump 130 and/or cold plate 160 continue to reduce air pressure inside chamber 104. If an air pressure value input from air pressure sensor 512 is below a threshold, the method may proceed to 426.

At 426, controller 502 may deactivate vacuum pump 130 and/or close valve 134. After 426, the method proceeds to 428.

At 428, controller 502 may deactivate cold plate 160. After 428, the method proceeds to 430.

At 430, controller 502 may read a value of air pressure input from air pressure sensor 512. After 430, the method proceeds to 432.

At 432, controller 502 may compare the value of air pressure input from air pressure sensor 512 with the threshold value stored in memory 506. If the input value is not below the threshold, the method may return to 416. If the input value is below the threshold, the method may proceed to 434.

At 434, controller 502 may read a moisture level value input from moisture sensor 510 and compare it with the threshold retrieved from memory 506. If the moisture level input value is not below the threshold, the method may return to 430. If the moisture level input value is below the threshold, the method may proceed to 436. In one embodiment, the threshold moisture level may be defined as indicating a desired level of dryness in fabric articles 110. In a further embodiment, the threshold moisture level may trigger a concluding of the drying cycle.

At 436, controller 502 may deactivate vacuum pump 130, deactivate air heater 140, and/or deactivate radiators 150. After 436, the method proceeds to 438.

At 438, controller 502 may open valve 146, drawing air through outlet 144 for the repressurization of chamber 104. In one embodiment, air may be drawn through air heater 140, or through a subsequent valve which controls a flow of outside air. In one embodiment, controller 502 may open a valve to pass air into chamber 104 for the repressurization of chamber 104 that is different from valve 146. After 438, the method proceeds to 440.

At 440, controller 502 may release door 122, and/or may signal user interface 504 to indicate the end of the drying cycle. In one embodiment, controller 502 may actuate a lock or latch on door 122 such that door 122 becomes openable by the user.

After 440, method 400 ends.

Turning to FIG. 5, it shows a flow chart of a method 900 for treating fabric articles.

At 904, one or more fabric articles may be sealed in a chamber. In one example, the fabric articles may be fabric articles 110 and the chamber may be chamber 104.

After 904, the method proceeds to 908. At 908, an internal gas pressure of the chamber may be reduced, to create a low-pressure condition in the chamber. In one example, the gas pressure may be reduced by evacuating gases from the chamber with a vacuum pump, such as vacuum pump 130, using the process for removing gases from the chamber as described elsewhere herein.

After 908, the method proceeds to 912. At 912, heat may be applied to the chamber to dry the one or more fabric articles. In one embodiment, gaseous moisture may be condensed inside the chamber on a cold plate during a drying cycle. For example, the cold plate may be cold plate 160, which may be coupled to cooler 166. In one embodiment, gases may be extracted from the chamber during the drying cycle, such that a low-pressure condition is maintained. For instance, the lowered pressure of the chamber may be raised during the drying cycle, such as by the introduction of hot air from an air heater. The gases introduced by the air heater may be further extracted during the drying cycle to maintain a low pressure, which may be a preselected low pressure that is lower than an outside ambient pressure. In one embodiment, the chamber may be repressurized to an ambient air pressure upon the completion of the drying cycle. Repressurization of the chamber may allow a user to open a door to the chamber without a pressure gradient being present across the door. After 912, method 900 ends.

In one embodiment, the internal gas pressure may be reduced to a pre-determined low pressure during a drying cycle selection. For instance, a selection of a drying cycle may dictate that a pre-determined low pressure, such as a pressure reduced by 0.5 atmospheres from the ambient pressure outside the chamber. Predetermined low pressures may be programmed into a drying cycle selection based on a desired drying speed, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, one or more of a first moisture level and a first pressure level may be determined. The first moisture level may be an initial reading by a sensor of an amount of moisture contained in one or more fabric articles, or in another embodiment may be a reading of an amount of humidity inside the chamber. The first pressure level may be a reading by a sensor of the air pressure inside the chamber, which may, in one example, indicate that the pressure needs to be reduced to the predetermined pressure. In one embodiment, a second moisture level may be determined below a threshold moisture level. In one example, the second moisture level may trigger a termination of the drying cycle. The threshold moisture level may be selected in a drying cycle selection such that it may indicate that fabric articles have been dried to a sufficient degree. In one embodiment, a second pressure level may be maintained for a select period. The second pressure level may be a predetermined reduced pressure, which may be an operating pressure of the dryer or drying cycle at which fabric articles are to be dried under said operating pressure.

Turning to FIG. 6, it shows a flow chart of a method 800 for treating clothing.

At 804, a chamber may be sealed. The chamber may be a washing and/or drying chamber, which may be purposed for one or more of washing one or more articles, objects, items, or bodies sealed within. In one embodiment, the chamber may be chamber 104. The chamber, when sealed, may have a first internal gas pressure. In one embodiment, the first internal gas pressure may be equal to an ambient gas pressure outside the chamber.

At 808, the internal gas pressure is altered to a second internal gas pressure that is different from the first internal gas pressure. The chamber may be sealed such that one or more of air and water may not breach the chamber under a second internal gas pressure of the chamber altered from the first internal gas pressure. In one embodiment the second internal gas pressure may be lower than the first internal gas pressure. In another embodiment, the second internal gas pressure may be higher than the first internal gas pressure.

At 812, when the chamber has an internal pressure equal to the second internal gas pressure, the method may proceed with one or more paths according to whether the chamber is to complete a washing or a drying.

At 816, if a washing step is to be performed, the method may proceed to 820. If a drying step is to be performed, the method may proceed to 824. In some embodiments, one or both of a washing step and a drying step may be performed in succession one or more times in any combination.

At 820, water may be applied to the chamber for washing. In one embodiment, water may be applied to one or more for washing. After 820, method 800 ends.

At 824, heat may be applied to the chamber for drying. In one embodiment, heat may be applied to the one or more articles, objects, items, or bodies sealed inside the chamber for drying. In a further embodiment, the same one or more articles, objects, items, or bodies may be sealed inside a chamber for both washing and drying. In further embodiments, the internal gas pressure of the chamber may be altered to one or more subsequent internal gas pressures, such as a third, fourth, fifth, etc. internal gas pressure, each of which may independently be higher than, lower than, or equal to the first gas pressure. Altering the internal gas pressure to the one or more subsequent pressures may coincide with one or more washing or drying steps. The method may comprise a first cycle and a second cycle, and may further comprise one or more subsequent cycles, wherein each cycle may be a washing or a drying cycle. Each cycle may coincide with either the first internal gas pressure, or one or more internal gas pressures altered from the first pressure. In one example, the first cycle may comprise a high-pressure condition and the second cycle may comprise a low-pressure condition. In the above method, washing and/or drying may be performed under an altered-pressure environment, wherein the pressure is raised and/or lowered. In one embodiment, drying under low pressure may decrease a drying time and/or increase drying efficiency of a dryer. In another embodiment, a washing efficiency and/or performance may be increased by washing in a raised or lowered pressure environment. After 824, method 800 ends.

A system for treating clothing, such as fabric articles, may in one embodiment comprise a sealable chamber in fluid communication with an air pressure system. The system for drying the fabric articles may further comprise a controller to control the air pressure system and a pressure in the chamber during a selected drying cycle. In one example, the chamber may be chamber 104. In one example, the air pressure system may comprise one or more of vacuum pump 130, and a vacuum seal, wherein the vacuum seal may comprise one or more of opening 120, door 122, and seal 124. In one embodiment, the controller may be controller 502. In one embodiment, the system for drying articles may further comprise one or more of an air pressure sensor and a moisture sensor to provide air pressure data and moisture data to the controller. In one example, an air pressure sensor may be sensor 512 and a moisture sensor may be sensor 510. In one embodiment, the controller may control the pressure of the chamber determined on the air pressure data or moisture data. In one embodiment, the controller may conclude the drying cycle when the moisture data indicates a moisture level below a preset moisture threshold. The preset moisture threshold may be selected to indicate that articles have been dried to a sufficient or desired level during a drying cycle. For example, a humidity of the chamber falling below 5% inside a chamber may indicate that articles are sufficiently dry. In one embodiment, a heating system may be operatively connected to the chamber. In one example, the heating system may comprise one or more heat sources, such as air heater 140 or one or more radiators 150.

A pressure inside a drying chamber may be lowered during a drying cycle such that a boiling point or evaporation temperature of water is reduced by the lowered pressure, increasing a drying efficiency inside the drying chamber. Moist fabric articles inside the drying chamber may be dried more quickly and/or at a lower applied heat or temperature due to the reduced pressure. An amount of pressure reduction may be selected based on an efficiency of a pressure system, which may comprise a vacuum pump, for creating and maintaining the selected low pressure level. In some embodiments, a more slight pressure reduction, such as a reduction of 0.1 atm, may be selected such that the vacuum pump does not experience mechanical strain or expend excessive energy. In other embodiments, it may be selected that a drying cycle run at a greater pressure reduction, such as a reduction of more than 0.1 atm, or a reduction of 0.5 atm or more. A greater pressure reduction may be selected such that a drying cycle may be completed faster and/or at a lower heat application temperature. In some embodiments, increasing an amount of operating pressure reduction may be accompanied by an efficiency or energy penalty. In other embodiments, an optimal efficiency, e.g. an operating pressure at which the lowest energy is expended for the fastest drying performance, may be selected.

In one or more embodiments, one or more features of the above methods or systems may be applied to a clothing treatment device, such as a washer or dryer, to improve an efficiency or performance of said clothing treatment device. Non-limiting examples of a washer may include a top-loading or front-loading washing machine for a domestic, commercial, or industrial use. The washing machine may comprise a rotating drum and an agitator, and may wash articles by agitating or tumbling articles through water which may contain detergent or bleach. Non-limiting examples of a dryer include a gas or electric tumble dryer for domestic, commercial, or industrial use. The dryer may comprise one or more of a rotating drum and a source of heat, which may be delivered as hot air. The dryer may remove evaporated moisture through an exhaust vent or by condensation. In one example, a clothes tumble dryer may be modified to hold an increased or decreased internal pressure, such that clothes inside may be dried under an altered pressure condition. In one example, an airtight seal and a vacuum pump may be added to the clothes dryer to create the altered-pressure condition. In other embodiments, a top or front-loading washing machine may be modified such that an altered pressure may be generated inside and clothing may be washed in the altered pressure environment. For example, a front-loading washing machine's existing water-tight seal may be upgraded to be an air-tight seal, and a vacuum pump may be added to pressurize the interior of the washer to a raised pressure such that clothing may be washed under high pressure. One or more of the above components may be added to a washer or dryer, including but not limited to a cold plate and cooling system, a hanging rack or hangers, an airtight seal, a vacuum pump, a controller, a radiant heat source, or a hot air heat source.

In one or more embodiments, the clothing treatment device 100 (dryer 100) or the clothing treatment system 700 may be used to wash and/or dry items or articles other than fabric articles. One or more objects may be sealed inside chamber 104 and be washed and/or dried by one or more of the systems and methods detailed above. Non-limiting examples of items which may be washed and/or dried include objects made of metals, plastics, composite materials, minerals, synthetic materials, finished or unfinished wood, and textiles. In one or more embodiments, all or part of an animal or a person's body and/or items attached to or worn on the body may be washed and/or dried using one or more of the above systems and methods.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 show example configurations with relative positioning of the various components. If shown directly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such elements may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example, components laying in face-sharing contact with each other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact. As another example, elements positioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and no other components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above/below one another, at opposite sides to one another, or to the left/right of one another may be referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a “top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at least one example. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, may be relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describe positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shown within another element or shown outside of another element may be referred as such, in one example.

Note that the example control and estimation routines included herein can be used with various system configurations. The control methods and routines disclosed herein may be stored as executable instructions in non-transitory memory and may be carried out by a control system including the controller in combination with the various sensors, actuators, and other device hardware. The specific routines described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. As such, various actions, operations, and/or functions illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Likewise, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages of the example embodiments described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. One or more of the illustrated actions, operations and/or functions may be repeatedly performed depending on the particular strategy being used. Further, the described actions, operations and/or functions may graphically represent code to be programmed into non-transitory memory of the computer readable storage medium in the control system, where the described actions are carried out by executing the instructions in a system including the various hardware components in combination with the electronic controller.

It will be appreciated that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, and other features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. It is understood that any of the embodiments described above can be combined in any desired way, and any embodiment or combination of embodiments con be applied to each of the aspects described above.

An “inlet” and/or “outlet” as described may serve as a passage for the transfer of fluids and in some cases may denote a direction of fluid flow. For example, fluid may typically enter a component through an inlet and/or exit through an outlet. In some cases, an “inlet” and/or “outlet” may be so called in relation to a particular component, but may serve further functions for subsequent components. For example, a passage may be called an “inlet” in its relation to component A, but said “inlet” may simultaneously serve as an “outlet” for an adjacent component B.

The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and sub-combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof. Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure. 

1. A clothing treatment device, comprising: a chamber; a vacuum seal for the chamber holding an air pressure within the chamber at a different pressure than an ambient pressure outside the chamber; a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the chamber; and a controller to operate the vacuum pump to change the air pressure within the chamber to be different than the ambient pressure outside of the chamber during operation of the clothing treatment device.
 2. The clothing treatment device of claim 1, wherein the clothing treatment device is a dryer, and wherein the pressure within the chamber is reduced relative to the ambient pressure outside of the chamber during a drying cycle while operating the clothing treatment device.
 3. The clothing treatment device of claim 2, further comprising one or more article hangers inside the chamber for hanging articles during the drying cycle while the clothing treatment device is operated.
 4. The clothing treatment device of claim 2, wherein the chamber is a rotating drum for tumbling articles during the drying cycle while the clothing treatment device is operated.
 5. The clothing treatment device of claim 2, wherein the clothing treatment device is additionally a washer, and wherein the pressure within the chamber is increased relative to the ambient pressure outside of the chamber during a washing cycle while operating the clothing treatment device.
 6. The clothing treatment device of claim 5, further comprising one or more article hangers inside the chamber for hanging articles during the washing cycle while the clothing treatment device is operated.
 7. The clothing treatment device of claim 5, wherein the chamber is a rotating drum for tumbling articles during the washing cycle while the clothing treatment device is operated.
 8. The clothing treatment device of claim 5, further comprising introducing water into the chamber during the washing cycle.
 9. The clothing treatment device of claim 1, wherein the clothing treatment device is a washer, and wherein the pressure within the chamber is increased relative to the ambient pressure outside of the chamber during a washing cycle while operating the clothing treatment device.
 10. The clothing treatment device of claim 9, further comprising one or more article hangers inside the chamber for hanging articles during the washing cycle while the clothing treatment device is operated.
 11. The clothing treatment device of claim 10, wherein one or more washing agents are introduced into the chamber during the washing cycle.
 12. A method for treating clothing, comprising: positioning one or more fabric articles in a chamber in a hanging configuration; flowing air through the chamber; and applying heat to the chamber.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising condensing gaseous moisture inside the chamber on a cold plate during a treatment cycle; and extracting gases from the chamber during the treatment cycle.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising reducing an internal gas pressure in the chamber responsive to determining that a moisture level in the chamber is greater than a threshold moisture level during the treatment cycle.
 15. The method of claim 12, where the treatment cycle is determined to be complete responsive to the moisture level in the chamber being less than the threshold moisture level.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising washing the one or more fabric articles in the hanging configuration.
 17. A method for treating clothing comprising: sealing a chamber; determining a moisture level in the chamber; determining a pressure level in the chamber; and adjusting the pressure level in the chamber to a preselected pressure level responsive to the determined moisture level in the chamber being greater than a threshold moisture level.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the preselected pressure level is a reduced pressure level compared to an ambient pressure outside of the chamber.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the pressure level is reduced by pumping air out of the chamber via a vacuum pump.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising heating the chamber and tumbling the clothing in the chamber. 